‘Billo’ hit-maker hopes to revive Pakist­ani music indust­ry with ‘Bekara­r’

Abrar has released Bekarar in collaboration with budding composer and singer Farhan NTF. PHOTO: FILE

KARACHI: Abrar Ul Haq’s believes his latest venture could stand as a beacon of hope for the fast-diminishing music industry of Pakistan. Known for his upbeat Punjabi bhangra numbers, the singer has switched gears and released a one-off romantic ballad entitled Bekarar, in collaboration with budding composer and singer Farhan NTF.

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In this connection, the duo held a press conference at Lahore Press Club on Thursday, wherein Abrar shed light on the new song and the overall state of pop music in the country. “Currently, music in Pakistan is facing a steep decline and we singers are really struggling to restore it to its former glory. There was a time when music was soaring and our films were in dire need of saving. Now the tables have turned and pop music is at the bottom,” stated Abrar.

It is for this reason that the Billo De Ghar hit-maker opted to work with the less-experienced Farhan, hoping to save the precious little that is left of Pakistani pop. “I am very keen on seeing new talent spring up and do its best to promote our music everywhere, just like I did back in my days,” said Abrar. “And so, I decided to join hands with Farhan, who is a bright and hardworking young star.”

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According to Abrar, it is but the responsibility of senior artists to lend junior ones a guiding hand, so as to help them make a mark for themselves. “I think it is high time we started looking for and polishing fresh talent, if we want Pakistani music to survive,” he said. “My colleagues and I have done our best and are still working hard. But we need to do something for the upcoming crop of musicians as well.”

The singer attributed the downtrodden conditions of the industry to a lack of vision and resources, which ultimately render all talent wasted. “It is very sad that our country is brimming with hope but due to a lack of opportunities, new talent goes untapped. I humbly request others to help aspiring artists too. Bekarar may have been sung by me but all credit goes to Farhan,” Abrar added.

The lyrics of Bekarar have been penned by Farhan, while the song commences with Abrar’s now distinctive, melodious tone. It comes just a few weeks after the launch of Abrar’s latest album Aithay Rakh, which garnered a whooping million streams on music application Taazi within 10 days of its release. “I hope to release more music, regularly, now,” he shared of his future plans. “ A few weeks ago, I released my new album and now, I offer you this song. I have also sung a national song for the upcoming August 14 celebrations.”

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A video based on Aithay Rakh was also screened at the press conference, opening to much appreciation and applause from the audience. Also in attendance was the other man of the hour, Farhan himself, who couldn’t help but sing praises for his mentor, Abrar. “This is the first time I am releasing a music video with one of Pakistan’s most popular singers. Without a doubt, I have learned a lot from Abrar,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 8th, 2016.

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